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Hongkong Post and China Post suddenly stopped accepting parcels for the US, with Hongkong Post choosing not to deliver any until the problems with the service are resolved.
The Post breaks down the situation and discusses the choices that are open to consumers.
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The United States Postal Service (USPS) temporarily stopped accepting parcel deliveries, explaining that it halted inbound and outbound operations across the region to avoid transit disruptions. However, restrictions varied by state and could range from Maryland to Georgia to North Carolina.
The United States Postal Service halted all inbound package deliveries from mainland China and Hong Kong on Wednesday.
It didn't provide a reason, but the suspension came after US President Donald Trump issued an executive order to enforce a 10 percent tariff on all Chinese products and reviewed the "de minimis" exemption.
Exemptions allowed packages worth less than $800 to enter the United States duty-free. Almost half of packages shipped under "de minimis" originated from China, as reported by one US congressional committee in 2023.
However, the US Postal Service (USPS) reversed its decision on Wednesday evening, announcing plans to collaborate with US customs to collect the additional tariffs.
Hong Kong Post said that it would continue to halt package deliveries to the US. The government also strongly condemned the US Postal Service's temporary suspension of services and urged Washington to reconsider the imposed additional tariffs.
2. Will you still be able to send packages to the US? Will there be any effect on the delivery of packages to the US that are being sent to Hong Kong?
Sending packages from Hong Kong to the US but with additional requirements such as possible clearance fees imposed by US customs.
With the abolishment of the de minimis exemption, items worth less than US$800 must now be declared in the United States, even for daily shipments.
Packages sent from the US for delivery in Hong Kong will not be affected.
3. Will mailing packages to the United States become more expensive? What are the current costs of various mail services?
Fees for private delivery will be significantly higher compared to what Hong Kong Post charges.
When sending a package weighing 1 kilogram (2.2 pounds) from Hong Kong to the US, Hongkong Post's fees range from HK$75.6 to $386. However, cheaper options may take up to 14 weeks for delivery.
Chinese-based e-commerce companies, such as SF Express, ship to San Francisco at a cost of approximately HK$300, and delivery typically takes around 10 working days. DHL, however, offers competitive alternatives, with a basic option priced at HK$584 for a fast delivery of around five working days, and a more premium service starting at HK$699 for the same delivery time frame.
The amount you'll be charged could change depending on several things, including which city you're sending to, how your package should be packaged, what kind of insurance you want, and whether the person or business sending it needs to come out to pick it up.
4. What will happen to parcels sent via mail during this chaotic period?
The Hong Kong Post stated on Wednesday that it would arrange for the return of items sent to the US on or after Tuesday to their original senders. However, this announcement was made prior to the US Postal Service's announcement that mail services to the US would resume.
In its later statement on Thursday, Hong Kong Post said it is working with its US counterpart to get more information about the US government's plan to impose additional duties on parcels sent from the city.
While navigating these changes, other delivery companies indicated they may request additional information from senders in Hong Kong for the purposes of customs clearance, including receipts for the goods.
Packages from Hong Kong that arrive after the introduction of tariffs will incur additional fees.
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